Johnson: Saudi move would be good for Tau

by Staff Reporter

Monday Aug 21, 2023. 13:31

Former Al Ahly assistant coach Cavin Johnson believes it’s only a matter of time before Percy Tau leaves the club after two seasons at the Cairo International Stadium.

Johnson, who served as Pitso Mosimane’s right-hand man during a successful 20-month spell with the Red Eagles, got the opportunity to work with Tau after he was signed from Brighton in August 2021.

The Bafana Bafana international has struggled with injuries and form, although he played a crucial role for Marcel Koller’s side as they won the CAF Champions League title for a record 11th time last term.

Tau is one of the latest names to be linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with reports claiming that Al-Shabab have set their sights on him after missing out on Zamalek winger Zizo.

Johnson is convinced that his compatriot will do well on the Arabian Peninsula and reckons the African champions could cash in on him if they receive a good offer for the South African star.

“The changes happening in the Saudi league, the fact that they’re taking quite a few top players means that they want to do something or something is happening within the Saudi FA, allowing them to attract players like Neymar, [Karim] Benzema, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, and [Riyad] Mahrez,” Johnson told FARPost.

“In all respect to them, those players, for me, are still at their prime. It will up that league by at least three or four notches, it’ll just get better. Percy Tau has done very well for Al Ahly, and the fact that those players I mentioned are in Saudi and Percy goes there, he can only get better.

“If there’s interest in Saudi, probably Ahly will sell him. In the end, it’s about the money. For any football team, any football player, it’s about money. He’s turning 30. He would be fine with another four years in Saudi.

“When I look at the history of Ahly and how they treat foreign players. Yes, Percy has given them a good return. He’s getting into his third season. Sometimes they don’t make it go too long. Three seasons is probably the most. I don’t think Percy will be there for too long.”